On “The Cat’s Corner” podcast, host Ernest “The Cat” Miller discussed the ongoing speculation surrounding Chris Jericho’s contract status with AEW and a potential return to WWE. Miller claimed he had heard information from sources close to the situation.
“I have a lot of friends in the business and I hear some things sometimes that is not all correct yet, but it’s working in that direction from somebody… who knows the truth,” Miller said. He then specified the rumor he heard: “WWE signing a name… I talked to him. He didn’t say right away, he’s leaving. But, you know, I talked to Chris Jericho”.
The ‘Released’ Debate
Co-host Ray challenged Miller on the term “released,” noting Jericho’s contract is reportedly expiring, not terminated. Miller explained the nuances of a wrestler’s 90-day release clause.
“When you get released from your contract… They tell you 90 days to three months, you already know you going to get released,” Miller stated. “You can go home and sit down for three months… or you can say, Listen, how about if you just release me from my contract right now. I don’t have to sit, sit home for 90 days. I can go right now, sign with whoever I want to. So it’s not always like you think it is Ray”.
Rumors and Evidence
Ray speculated that Jericho could make a surprise return at the Royal Rumble, complete with his “Break the Walls Down” theme music. Miller dismissed this specific scenario as “hearsay,” warning, “You can’t just come out and say this is what’s going to happen… because if it don’t happen, that make us look bad”.
As evidence that “something is up” between Jericho and AEW, Ray pointed to the guest list for the Jericho Cruise. “The guest list on the Jericho Cruise has at this particular moment in time, zero AEW current stars that are under contract with AEW being on the boat”.
Miller’s ‘Business Smart’ Take
Miller countered that any decision would ultimately come down to finances, not just a retirement run. “The money I think he’s getting paid from AEW he might stay there longer. You never know. The man is getting paid money [by AEW],” Miller said. He offered a hypothetical: “If I’m making $5 million a year… maybe I can get another two years out of my negotiation with this company… I can wait to go over that later… So why jump out of contract?”. Miller said that if Jericho goes to WWE, Jericho is not likely to be paid $5 million.
When Ray mentioned that John Cena had recently referenced the “Walls of Jericho” on WWE programming, Miller quickly countered by pointing out that Cena also referenced Edge’s spear, asking, “Where’s Edge? He’s in AEW currently”. Miller concluded that Jericho is “Business Smart” and that “this is a career move for him”, while also acknowledging Jericho’s foundational role in AEW.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Cat’s Corner with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. Fans can watch the podcast on YouTube.
